David L. Amundson, 81, of La Crosse, Wis., and formerly of Houston, Minn., died on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis. David Lee Amundson was born on February 16, 1941, in Bremerton, Wash., to Pastor James and Clare (Strum) Amundson. As the child of a pastor, David grew up in many places, including Sparta, Wis., Tacoma, Wash., Decorah, … [Read more...]
Ruth Ann Kleist
Ruth Ann Kleist, age 75, passed away Saturday morning, June 25, at her home on the farm in Rushford. Ruth was born on February, 21 1947, in La Crosse, Wis., the daughter of Robert and Rose (Burfield) Lee. She attended country schools in both Mondovi and Money Creek before graduating from Houston High School. On October 24, 1970 she was united in marriage to Henry Kleist in … [Read more...]
Houston Council establishes usage fees for community center
The Houston City Council approved ordinance 236 regarding the non-profit use of the community center and other city properties after a lengthy discussion at their meeting on June 13. The council wrestled with finding a balance between supporting non-profits and receiving rental fees for the facilities. Michelle Quinn pointed out that the taxpayers were already being levied to … [Read more...]
DLC Houston Guild making good happen
In February 2022, a Facebook post asked for someone to help to continue the fireworks for Houston Hoedown. Apparently, no one else wanted to take on the project originally started by Greg Lemke years ago. Three local businessmen, Dusty Franzwa, Luke Meyer, and Chris Schroeder, decided to step up and help. They knew the Hoedown fireworks were always a big draw to town on Friday … [Read more...]
Houston School Board dreams
At their regular June 2, 2022, board meeting, the Houston School Board spent some time dreaming about changes they might make to the elementary and high school buildings. Representatives from SiteLogiQ, Matt Helgerson, Ryan Gram, and Cullen Bahn, took turns presenting a “refresh of ideas and opportunities” for the buildings. At the elementary, they proposed an addition in … [Read more...]
Renee Darlene Kumpf
Renee Darlene Kumpf, 72, of Stewartville, Minn., passed away peacefully on May 26, 2022. She was born in Houston, Minn., on March 16, 1950, to Gladina and Gynther Halverson. She graduated from Houston High School and went to cosmetology school in Winona. After graduating from cosmetology school, she worked as an oOptometric assistant for 23 years. Renee met the love of her … [Read more...]
Lucille Betty Schiebstad
Lucille Betty Schiebstad, 79, of Houston, Minn., passed away on April 21, 2022. Lucille was born on December 14, 1942, to Dennis and Dora (Rowe) Wood in Chatfield, Minn. Lucille was united in marriage to Hjalmer Schiebstad on August 11, 1976, and they were blessed with one daughter, Ida. Lucille was so glad to be a mom, and she raised Ida with dedication, pride, and an emphasis … [Read more...]
Rushford State Bank opens in Houston
A short three weeks after taking over their new building in Houston, Rushford State Bank officially opened its doors in Houston, Minn., on May 16. The front door now bears the bank logo, signs around the bank detail the Rushford State Bank’s services, and a special “Banker’s Blend” of Carlson Roasting Company Coffee can be found on display at the teller stations along with the … [Read more...]
Doris Louise Botcher
Doris Louise Botcher, age 91, of Houston, Minn., passed away November 18, 2021, at Claddaugh Memory Care, Caledonia, Minn. Doris was born May 4, 1930, in Buckholts, Tex., to James and Mabel (Cross) McCrummen. She married Gerald Botcher June 6, 1953, in Caledonia, Minn. Gerald passed away March 14, 2016. Doris was an active volunteer in Houston. She was honored to be the … [Read more...]
Will Houston have Christmas decorations next year?
Last Christmas, Houston City Council decided not to have their long-used, well-worn wreaths hung on the city light posts. Many citizens commented on the lack of decorations; as a result, the Hometown Pride group took a look at the tired wreaths to see if they could be restored. Marlene Schultz attended the city council meeting on May 9 and shared the possibility of replacing … [Read more...]